The Space Story NIELIT (National Institute of Electronics Information Technology), New Delhi
Aludecor Product Used: Rustic Series and FireWall
Architect’s Perspective
We have used Aludecor Rustic Series in this project which gives a matt finish. The glossy shades often hurt the eye; hence we opted for the matte finish. Also, we have used Fire Retardant ACP for safety purposes. Usually, paint catches fire fast. On the contrary, the FR grade ACPs can resist fire for up to two hours.
During summers, the temperature soars up to 44 degrees in Delhi at around 1 o’clock. However, we have designed the building in such a way that it takes time for this heat to travel inside. There is a 2-inch cavity between the wall and the framework on which the ACPs are mounted. There is a buffer of hot air in this gap.
This air escapes from joints and other outlets since the façade is not completely sealed. Due to air pressure, air from outside fills up its place. This acts as a barrier against the heat. Firstly, the outside wall is 9 to 10 inches thick. Secondly, there is a 50mm cavity filled with air which is not a good conductor of heat. Moreover, energy efficient glasses have been used to minimize the glare and heat. Hence, it takes roughly 5-6 hours for the heat to get transferred inside the building. By that time, people usually leave office.
We have created a landscape as a part of the project and there is a water body in it. There is also a place for people to sit and relax. After working on the computers for long hours, people can spend some time in this area to soothe their mind and body.
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We have created a double basement for parking. The surface parking is exclusively for people with physical disabilities. Only 9 cars can be parked at the ground and for the rest, we have the double basement parking system.
The Turnaround
The building was originally conceived in a way that did not send out the educational vibe. It was looking like a housing project. We turned this around completely and gave the façade the look of an educational institution. The contrast has also come out well. The building can be noticed from a distance and people can make out that it is a NIELIT building.
The landscape of the project really stands out. It was originally a flat land, however, we have raised the level of the building and created a different landscape.
It has been a good experiment for the CPWD and I hope we can do more such experiments in future projects as well so that it comes out even better than what the private firms are coming up with.
Fabricators’ Take
NIELIT was a very challenging project, but we were up to it. We have got the products from Aludecor on time. The material we have used is fire retardant. Owing to quite a lot of joints, we faced a lot of challenges while executing the project. However, everything was taken care of and the project has come out very well. We have been praised by the minister too for this project.
Recently also, we have made a hospital for which we opted for fire retardant ACPs for the facade We have taken a cue from the Hospital fire in Kolkata that claimed many lives and thought it was our duty to provide better fire security.
If an unfortunate incident of fire should occur the FR materials would ensure that the flames do not spread at least till help arrives.
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It is of prime importance that we use FR grade materials in buildings. In an incidence of fire, till the time help comes, the fire should not spread and FR grade materials take care of that. People get time to escape. Also, FR grade ACP sheets do not emit smoke or toxic gases which prove fatal during such accidents.
